Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani has inaugurated the Iraq-Turkey power interconnection line, a project that had stalled for nearly two decades. 

This 115-kilometer line, running from Turkey to Kisik in Iraq, will supply 300 megawatts of electricity to northern Iraq, including the provinces of Nineveh, Salahadin, and Kirkuk.

The General Company for Northern Electricity Transmission detailed the project’s scope. "The Iraq-Turkey interconnection line (Turkey-Kisik 400 kV), which spans 115 kilometers, partially runs through Turkish territory and extends significantly through Iraq's Duhok and Nineveh provinces. Initiated in 2004, the project faced multiple delays but has now been completed." 

The statement emphasized the consistent efforts over the past five years to finalize operational agreements and meet technical, administrative, and legal requirements in coordination with Turkey’s Ministry of Energy and European Union standards.

PM Sudani, speaking via video conference at the inauguration, commended the Ministry of Electricity’s persistent efforts. "This significant international interconnection project for power exchange is a major achievement for the government, especially since it has been stalled for about 20 years." 

He noted that the project was revived and completed through continuous work on constructing substations, transmission lines, and reaching agreements with the Turkish side.

The Ministry of Electricity explained the technical aspects of the project. "We have ensured all technical requirements over the past five years, including completing the Kisik 400 kV substation, installing protection and communication equipment, and upgrading the 132 kV lines to manage the increased load," the ministry’s statement read.
 
"This project also marks the first use of high-precision thermal wires in our company, which can transport twice the energy of conventional wires at a lower cost than building new lines."

The new power line will also facilitate energy exchange between Iraq and Turkey, allowing Iraq to supply up to 150 megawatts to Turkish border areas during periods of surplus, with reciprocal support during peak summer demand due to temperature differences. 

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to integrate Iraq's electricity network with regional systems, including the Gulf Electricity Interconnection Authority by the end of the year. "The Iraq-Turkey interconnection represents a strategic advancement in Iraq’s energy infrastructure," the ministry added.

The inauguration of this power line marks a significant milestone for Iraq’s energy sector, promising enhanced stability and cooperation in regional energy exchange. 

PM Sudani emphasized its strategic importance, "Extending the grid to the Turkish network and, by extension, the European side, is a strategic energy option for the future, aligning with our government’s vision for regional connectivity in the energy sector."